Seattle is filled with critters walking with their humans, gazing out of windows, and waiting to be adopted from shelters—not to mention the wild creatures that fly through the air, slither through gardens, and swim through the seas. In honor of The Stranger's Pet Issue, we've compiled all the ways to spend time with animals and support their well-being through local organizations from now until August. Follow the links below to snag tickets to ever-popular events like Yoga with Cats, fundraisers like Seattle Humane's Tuxes and Tails Gala, boozy events like the Grapes, Paws & Hops Festival, fun competitions like the Vashon Sheepdog Classic, general animal-appreciation opportunities like Burke NiteLife: Offspring Fling, and everything in between. Looking for more places to bring your best friend? Check out our list of dog-friendly Seattle establishments.

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APRIL 13

The Dog Show Poster Show
Looking for an art piece that accurately encapsulates your dog's unique breed? The Cornish Poster Collective will showcase 15 posters representing 15 breeds, with limited screen print editions available for sale.

APRIL 14

Laugh Your Tail Off
This comedy show and auction featuring Nigerian comic Godfrey will benefit homeless animals through the Northwest Organization for Animal Help (or the NOAH Center). Your ticket includes dinner, dessert, a signature drink, access to silent and live auctions, and admission to the show.

Spring Safari: African Wildlife Conservation Day
See the animals that roam the African savanna on this spring safari. Afterward, attend educational keeper talks and enrichment sessions to learn more about issues like illegal poaching, habitat loss, and how you can help protect savanna animals.

APRIL 15

Bulldog BBQ
Support the shelter pups at Bulldog Haven NW by enjoying BBQ fare like hot dogs, chips, and sweets. If you're looking to take home your own doggo, there will be plenty of adoptable bulldogs present.

Dogs of Peddler
Just as P.D. Eastman once wrote, "It's a party, a big dog party!" Peddler Brewing will set up an outdoor off-leash area where pooches can roam while their owners partake in pints of beer. Plus, "dog-loving" vendors will be in attendance touting their wares.

THROUGH APRIL 15

Marine Mammal Mania
Nothing says "spring" like the sound of seals barking on giant rocks in the sunshine. That's why the Seattle Aquarium is celebrating the new season with a whole week dedicated to marine mammals, featuring diver shows, live science demonstrations, mammal meet-and-greets, special feedings and enrichments, and more.

APRIL 17-SEPT 5

Bark at the Park
Your dog can join you while you watch the Seattle Mariners. Tickets also include a postgame walk around the bases and giveaways: a dog bowl mat at the Houston Astros game on April 17, a dog food bowl at the Texas Rangers game on May 29, a tennis ball launcher at the Los Angeles Angels game on July 5, and a dog water bowl at the Baltimore Orioles game on September 5.

APRIL 18 & MAY 16

Meditation with Cats
In this hour-long beginner meditation practice, cats will roam about to guide you with their zen dispositions. Ayurvedic wellness coach Katie Meyer will instruct.

APRIL 19-22

Dock Dogs at Puyallup Spring Fair
During the Puyallup Spring Fair, feast your eyes on the "world's premier canine aquatics competition," Dock Dogs. Here's how it works: Puppers will dash down a 40-foot runway and jump into a swimming pool filled with 27,000 gallons of water. The dog who jumps the farthest wins.

APRIL 20

Doggie Bingo
Play five rounds of blackout bingo to support the Animal Aid and Rescue Foundation.

APRIL 20, MAY 11, JULY 27

Owl Prowl
Learn about the habitats, behaviors, language, and diets of owls by dissecting their pellets before heading into the forest to spot the nocturnal predators with your own eyes.

APRIL 20-SEPT 30

National Geographic Photo Ark
While you're visiting real live zoo animals, take a look at National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore's animal portraits for NatGeo's Photo Ark, which seeks to document every animal species in captivity.

APRIL 21

Academy of Reason & Wonder: Dogs Vs. Cats
Watch a tense debate of the age-old question: Do cats rule and dogs drool, or is it the reverse? Arguing for cats: Zack Davisson (Kaibyo: The Supernatural Cats of Japan). His opponent: Ivan Schneider ("The Search for Dog in Cervantes"). The topics: "Which would you rather encounter in a dark alley? In the afterlife? In a floating dream? In a post-apocalyptic nightmare?" And so on. The talks will be followed by a musical performance by the two debaters, plus mingling and snacks.

APRIL 22

Lucy Cooke: The Truth About Animals
Discover the intricacies and surprises of animal behavior worldwide with filmmaker/author Lucy Cooke, whose book The Unexpected Truth About Animals documents the strange lives of creatures and the practices of humans who work with them, such as "Colombian hippo castrators and Chinese panda porn peddlers."

APRIL 26

BirdNote Podcast Live!
Birds are alien intelligences that share our world and inspire us. Michael Stein and Mary McCann from Birdnote podcast, plus 2016 Stranger Genius Award-winning artist Barbara Earl Thomas and wildlife ecology professor J. Drew Lanham, will present their insights on these fascinating and diverse animals. Another special guest: Taima the hawk!

Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County Soiree
Are you an animal lover with a fascination with the late 1800s? Enjoy vintage parlor games, cocktails, music, and dancing in your old-timey clothing to support the Tacoma and Pierce County Humane Society.

APRIL 28

BarkHappy Spring Bar Crawl
You must be a dog lover to participate in this bar crawl, which will feature a fun rack-style treat eating contest, giveaways (such as a free mini cupcake for your pupper), and more. Proceeds benefit Seattle Humane.

Pug Pawty
Bring your precious wrinkle-faced doggos to a play date in the park where they can make new canine friends. There will be drinks and snacks for human chaperones.

APRIL 29

Hidden Gems for Our Furry Friends
Music for your ears and dollars for furry pals! John Hammond will host a night of singer-songwriters including Dexter Carlson, Jeffrey Carolus, Sheri Roberts Greimes, Joe Carolus, and Grammy winner Lara Lavi. Each artist will also talk about their writing process. Proceeds will benefit homeless animals at Seattle Humane.

THROUGH APRIL 30

In Danger: Fragile Ecosystems
This group exhibition will feature work by Pacific Northwest artists Jennifer Caldwell, Jason Chakravarty, Mark Clarson, Jamie Randall, Kelly O'Dell, and Raven Skyriver that uses flora and fauna to "raise awareness of environmental loss and preservation in our changing ecosystem."

MAY 5

Nibble for Kibble III: A Pet Fiesta
On Cinco de Mayo, join a dinner and auction pet fiesta to support the work of Puget Sound Pet Food Bank. Don't forget to raid your pet pantry for cat kibble, cat treats, and cat litter to donate.

MAY 6-AUG 18

Goat 101 Classes
New goat owners, this one's for you: These workshops cover living quarters and fencing, maintenance care, nutrition and feeding, toxic plants, first aid, and common diseases and ailments. Participants should bring a pen and notebook, a folding chair, and a lunch.

MAY 11-13

Yakima River Canyon Bird Fest
Longtime and budding birders can see native passerines and birds of prey on guided field trips, hear lectures, and more. This year will also feature a centennial celebration of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

MAY 12

Best Friends Fest and Dog Show
This canine-centric festival features a big ol' dog parade, contests for best smile, best tail wag, best costume, best aerial frisbee catch, and more.

Reptile Expo
Thinking of bringing a new scaly pet into your life? Learn about all sorts of reptilian creatures by meeting them and by chatting with experts.

Tuxes and Tails Gala
Support Seattle Humane's Fund-A-Need project "Saving the Unsavable," which provides veterinary and behavior care to pets considered unadoptable at most shelters, at this swaggy fundraiser. They'll have live and silent auctions, dinner, a "celebrity and pet runway show" featuring adoptable pets, and more.

MAY 12, JUNE 9, AUG 11, SEPT 8

Open Barn
Visit the New Moon Farm Sanctuary's (totally adoptable) goats and give them the "petting therapy" they deserve.

MAY 13

Martha's Friday the 13th Variety Show!
Dancers Miss Kitty Baby and the Shanghai Pearl, the clown Bill Robison, the belly undulators of Brass Ring, comedian Caitlin Little, and others will perform to raise money for Forgotten Dogs Rescue. The Famous Filson Sisters will host.

Mom & Me at the Zoo
Moms will receive half-off admission to the zoo on Mother's Day. Plus, there will be special activities in the North Meadow.

MAY 17

Amazon Dog Fest
Downtown Dog Lounge and First Tech present an epic doggie fashion show and costume contest for their third annual Dog Fest, made extra special by the fact that 2018 is the Year of the Dog. Pups can also get pampered with salon and spa services, swim in pools, get their minds read by an animal psychic, and more.

MAY 17-JUNE 18

Braden Duncan
Enjoy whimsical cat art at Ballard Night Out (when there will also be a "weird food buffet") and throughout the next month.

MAY 18

Burke NiteLife: Offspring Fling
Welcome spring by hanging out with baby animals, drinking cocktails, and learning about the various ways plants and animals procreate and care for their young.

Kitsap Humane Society: FORE! The Animals
This annual golf tournament raises money for the Kitsap Humane Society. After the game, enjoy a light buffet, a beer keg, and an awards ceremony.

MAY 19

Auburn Dog Trot
Participate in a 3K or 5K fun run with your doggo on a flat course.

Bark For Life of Kirkland
The annual Bark For Life walk gives dogs and their owners a chance to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society by strolling through the park in a noncompetitive race.

Bird Focus: Spring Migration
In honor of Migratory Bird Day, join naturalist Ed Dominguez to learn about the winged vertebrates (many of them tropical) that fly all over the world.

Fur Ball Auction and Dinner
This fundraiser for Homeward Pet, a local no-kill animal shelter, promises food and wine, live and silent auctions, raffles and games, and appearances from Homeward Pet dogs and cats.

Petpalooza
This pet-centric event kicks off with a Dog Trot 3K and 5K Fun Run. After that, watch happenings on an "animal-related" entertainment stage, see FlyDog and agility demos, ride ponies, cheer on pig races, look into pet adoption, and more.

Spring Fling
Hang out with baaing creatures at the Arlington goat haven's spring happy hour.

MAY 20

Bow Wow Bingo
Drag bingo queen Sylvia O'Stayformore will host this round in support of Ginger's Pet Rescue, featuring stuffed puppy adoptions and drag performances.

MAY 24-27

BC Morgan Horse Show
Watch Morgan horses ("America's first breed of horse") piaffe and passage their way to blue ribbons at this dressage show.

MAY 25

Molbak’s Butterfly Garden
Walk among 500 free-flying butterflies representing 15 species at this zoo's annual butterfly exhibit. You'll learn about the life cycle of the winged creatures before watching new ones emerge from their chrysalises.

MAY 26

Seagull Calling Festival and Wings Cook-Off
In this unique Memorial Day festival that combines bird calling with chicken wing tasting, try to lure seagulls by imitating their cries (and bribing them with treats). After that, taste a variety of chicken wings made by amateur chefs for $1 a piece.

JUNE 2

Bear Affair: Living Northwest Conservation Day
The zoo's bears bust into a set-up campsite so you can see what will happen if you don't store your camping food properly. After that, you'll learn what steps you can take to bear-proof your surroundings.

Bird Focus: Birding by Ear
Naturalist Ed Dominguez will help you identify local birds by their calls.

JUNE 2-3

SeaTac Pet Con
Find cool gifts for your pet (whom you can bring with you), discover pet services, support local animal causes, and look into adoption at this critter extravaganza.

JUNE 7-10

Vashon Sheepdog Classic
This annual herding extravaganza is a good excuse to take the ferry to Vashon Island, and also a good excuse to watch athletic sheepdogs chase livestock around a field. They'll also have local fare, a fiber arts village, bagpipe performances, and more to keep you occupied when you're not watching the competition.

JUNE 9

Grapes, Paws & Hops Festival
Everyone knows that dogs are not allowed to eat grapes. But dog owners can certainly enjoy a beverage made from fermented grapes (wine) and beer in the presence of their pupper at this booze and adoption festival.

There's No Place Like Home
Help save adoptable dogs from kill shelters at rescue organization Saving Great Animals's annual Bark Benefit. They promise a live auction, food, and more.

JUNE 10

Furry 5K
Seattle Animal Shelter's annual Furry 5K invites you and your pup (or just you) to raise money for adoptable animals.

JUNE 21

Dog Days of Summer Muttmixer
Mingle with fellow dog enthusiasts over cocktails, take home swag bags, and welcome summer at CityDog Magazine's muttmixer.

Kitty Party with Stasia Purrington
If you don't like cuteness and cat puns, this will not be your crowd. On the other hand, if you like "kitty-approved snacks" and "kitty-themed artwork," meet illustrator/fine artist/science fiction enthusiast Stasia Purrington and get acquainted with her versatile styles.

JUNE 23-24

Orca Awareness Celebration
Orcas are unquestionably the signature whale of the Pacific Northwest. Learn about the marine mammals by taking a gander at a 20-foot-long inflatable replica of Granny, the world's oldest orca, discovering how the endangered species is impacted by ocean debris, and hearing why healthy salmon populations are so important to their survival.

JUNE 30-JULY 1

Red, White & Zoo
The zoo's orangutans, lemurs, pigs, gorillas, and other animals will be treated to star-shaped popsicles, watermelons, and corn on the cob for Independence Day.

JULY 4

Four on the 4th Dog Jog & Walk
This Fourth of July dog walk and jog will include a costume contest, free watermelons and bananas, Seattle Humane’s MaxMobile (a bright yellow bus full of adoptable animals), booths, and more. A portion of proceeds benefit Seattle Humane Bellevue.

JULY 13

Woodland Park Zoo's 41st Annual Jungle Party
Northwest wildlife leaders will convene for an evening of silent and live auctions, reception activities, live entertainment, a fancy sit-down dinner, and schmoozing at the annual Jungle Party. This year's theme is "Wander Into the Wild."

JULY 13-15

Equine Art Show
See equestrian disciplines of all kinds displayed in over 200 pieces of artwork by artists of all ages. As you browse, take note of your favorite piece—it could win the People's Choice Award.

JULY 14

Goatalympics
Goats of all shapes and sizes will compete (in a fun-loving and low-stakes kind of way) for "Best Trick," "Most Spots," "Longest Beard," and other exciting categories. If you think this event sounds like small potatoes, you would be wrong—last year's Goatalympics saw upwards of 5,000 spectators, contestants, and their darling goats.

Shark Awareness Day
Spend a day learning how to protect sharks, skates, and rays by hearing special talks and participating in hands-on activities.

JULY 18 & AUG 15

Bat Trek
Learn about the beady-eyed winged rats that flutter about in the Northwest on a guided nighttime tour.

JULY 22

Old Dog Haven Walk for Old Dogs
Everyone loves puppies, but let's not forget about our sweet old hounds. Old Dog Haven's Walk for Old Dogs supports the dogs in the shelter's permanent foster homes.

AUG 11

Wild Asia: Asian Wildlife Conservation Day
Learn how the zoo is working to save endangered wildlife in Asia and provide "life sustaining commerce" to indigenous families. The day will be filled with keeper talks about environmental threats, crafts, family activities, and more.

AUG 18

Hounds on the Hill 2018
Pups take over the Puyallup South Hill in this annual street fair and dog walk. Bring your own furry friend or hang out with those of strangers.

ONGOING

Family Day
Every first Saturday of the month (the only time when there's no age restriction in the cat lounge), kiddos and their guardians can learn how to safely interact with cats and how to foster a comfortable living environment with new feline friends.

Free Enrichment
Every Tuesday, kids and families can head to the Family Resource Center to watch in wonder as zoo animals eat special treats.

Yoga with Cats
The almost indecently charming Seattle Meowtropolitan lets you caffeinate while stroking, throwing toys for, or serving as a chair for a host of shelter kitties, many of whom are adoptable. Once in awhile (on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays), they up the ante by hosting Yoga with Cats, so you can contort your body into shapes that cats find interesting to climb on. To us, this sounds slightly discouraging—even the limberest yogin can't match the whiplike flexibility of a cat spine. But needless to say, you should pounce on these tickets, because they will probably sell out soon after they're put up.